A 16-year-old Iranian chess prodigy has upended the chess world by beating World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in the final of the Banter Blitz Cup.
Alireza Firouzja defeated the Norwegian 8.5-7.5 in the final of the online quickfire knockout contest -- where players must comment verbally on their moves, and their opponents, during the game -- to claim the $14,000 prize. The Iranian is the second-youngest player to reach the 2700 Fédération Internationale des Échecs rating -- the rankings that govern international chess competition.
Iranian chess referee left in diplomatic limbo over hijab photoRead MoreFirouzja faces World Champion Carlsen during the 9th round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament.Before the clash, the world no.1 player didn't underestimate Firouzja, calling him"by far my biggest challenge."Firouzja initially rose to fame when he came in second to Carlsen in the Moscow World Blitz in December.
Grieving Mikaela Shiffrin grateful she saw her father in his final momentsCarlsen competes against Daniil Dubov of Russia.Playing under a different flagFirouzja plays under the flag of FIDE, the global chess organization, after leaving his native Iran to avoid government restrictions. Iran strongly discourages its citizens from competing against Israelis, as a sign of protest against the country and a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
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